ABOUT

I am a Careers Advisor  who has worked in the Careers and Education landscape for more than two decades. My services are for anyone at the threshold of making decisions within their career, and making career decisions in a range of contexts. My passion is helping others to navigate  any career dilemmas or challenges, at what can sometimes be a daunting (but exciting) time.  

My hallmark traits are my approachability, my clear style for explaining what needs to be known, and my ability to co-create plans with you. Coupled with my in-depth knowledge of the tertiary sector, my goal is to get you on a path, with a plan for the future, always keeping in mind a flexible approach.

Education

I was educated in Dublin and London, and studied Social Sciences at University of Liverpool in the UK. I hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Swansea, a Graduate Certificate in Careers Education and Development and a Graduate Diploma in Careers Education and Development, both from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). I am constantly updating my own skills and I am an advocate of lifelong-learning. My areas of interest include Career Development practices and their function, the changing nature of the world of work and tertiary and industry developments. I also have an interest in the world of neurodiversity with connections to the world of careers, and mental health and its implications on wellbeing, and the implications for making career choices. I write regularly (see the Blogs section) and my most recent publication was about the Early Entry System in Australia and the implications on wellbeing.

Accreditations

I am an accredited teacher with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). I am registered with the Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA) as a Professional Career Development Practitioner and adhere to their professional standards. I am a registered Career Avenues Assessor and can provide assessments and debriefs based on the Career Avenues assessment process. I am a professional member of the Careers Advisors Association of NSW (CAA) and a professional member of the Career Development Advisors Association (CDAA), both of these associations require yearly accreditation and professional development to keep registrations current. I am also currently a member of the UTS Careers Advisors Working Group. I am heavily involved in the Sydney Careers Advisors Group, and regularly contribute to discussions, forums and professional development opportunities.

Working History

Students

I have worked as a Classroom Teacher, a HSC Marker for NESA, a Head of House, a Tutor, an Academic Mentor, a facilitator on the Masters of Teaching Program at Sydney University, and a Careers Advisor.

I have worked in a range of independent and public secondary schools both here and abroad. I draw on my extensive experience with students of diverse backgrounds, to provide comprehensive advice, tailored to the needs and interests of the individual. My specialist area is within the 15-25 year old group: navigating subject selections, exploring tertiary options and providing specialist support for those embarking on their careers’ journey.

I currently work as a Careers Advisor, part-time, in an independent school in Sydney. I work predominantly with Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 students and manage the Careers program within the school context.

Adults

I also consult under Claire Pech Careers, providing private clients with solutions for their own career dilemmas. I primarily consult with adults who are at a careers cross roads and need direction. I have also consulted for Real Futures, and Careers NSW as part of their NSW Adult Careers model.

As part of my studies, I have researched career-changers, maternity-returners and female participation in the workforce. I consult helping adults to align their skills and interests with careers, particularly if they are navigating a career change.

Interest Areas

Neurodiversity

I have personal and professional experience with students and adults who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and other neurodivergences. I am a passionate neurodiversity advocate and come from a strength-based approach, to help others navigate their futures and careers. I do this, investigating interests, by creating plans, designing schedules, and assisting in the application process and the administration that goes along with this. Working with anyone with a neurodivergence needs specialist care to consider a range of implications that can have significant impacts on career plans, progress and situations.

I have studied with Kings College, London on current research and practice associated with the effects of ADHD. I  have written and presented on this subject matter and its connections to Career Planning (here). I have also presented for the ADHD Foundation during their speaker series on Career Planning in the Senior Years. I have also presented for ADHD Support Australia, and you can access a clip of that talk here.

Other areas of interest I regularly consult on:

• Subject selection and post-school alignment
• Course navigation and Institution choice
• University, Early Offer and Scholarship Applications
• Career Changing – knowing where to start
• Resume guidance, Linkedin Profiling and Job Applications
• Interview technique, communication and networking skills